Eat Me: Five reasons you should switch to brown rice

Although brown rice cooks for longer, it is highly nutritious and contains essential nutrients such as B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, potassium and magnesium.

Here are five of its health benefits.

Fights insomnia

Brown rice is helpful in the treatment of insomnia. It is a rich source of the amino acid GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps promote sleep.

Brown rice is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium which are also important for normal neurotransmitter functioning.

Rich in essential minerals

Brown rice is an important source of vital minerals such as manganese and selenium. Manganese helps derive energy from protein and carbohydrates, while selenium regulates and boosts the immune system.

Reduces cholesterol levels

Bad cholesterol in the body can attract dangerous diseases, and whole grain foods like brown rice contain both fibre and bran help to lower unhealthy cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol.

Helps in weight loss

The low Glikemiks content in brown rice helps to control the body’s absorption of calories.

A 2017 study found that consumption of brown rice reduced weight loss and is the equivalent of a 30-minute brisk daily walk.

Lowers diabetes risk

Choosing brown rice over white rice could decrease your risk of developing diabetes, according to a 2010 study out of Harvard School of Public Health.

The study said a little over two servings of brown rice per week could decrease type 2 diabetes risk by an estimated 16 percent.

People who eat brown rice were also found to be healthier overall than those who did not.

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